Lesson 5 - The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts Group – composed of individuals forming the so-called

super-organism that is separated from other individuals.

The West – self-oriented; values freedom and choice;
wants to free itself from the bondage of society; seeks to Countries with generally individualistic cultures:
create its own identity.
New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Greece, Poland,
The East – others-oriented; values relationships and Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, and Finland.
social obligation; looks at the welfare of society and
Countries with generally collectivistic cultures:
identifies with the group.
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Indonesia,
Individualism – is an orientation concerned with the
Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Portugal.
independence and self-reliance of the individual;
Individualistic cultures put more emphasis on promoting
the individual and the immediate family’s welfare.
Buddhism – In Buddhism, there is no such thing as the
Collectivism – is an orientation characterized by ‘atman’ (self); It does not consider humans as persons
belongingness to larger groups or collectives; Gives more with a fixed and unified identity; What Buddhism tries to
importance to loyalty to the in-group. reject is the conception of self as unchanging and
separate unto itself.
Freedom and Choice – an independent self that is free
from the influence of culture and environment and from ‘Atman’ – can be seen as the pure, unchanging,
the expectations and welfare of society. uncontaminated essence of an individual.

Self-orientedness – (also called ‘egoism’) describes the Buddhist philosophy refutes the idea of having an
self as existing and distinct from others. The self is free to enduring self (a self that stands the test of time and
express itself. implies that something is permanent or never changing).

Individualism foregrounds that a human being has a self, Human being is a product of five changing processes: the
is an individual, and is a person. processes of the physical body, feelings, perceptions,
responses, and the flow of consciousness.
Others-oriented – the eastern conception of the self is
collectivistic; it gives more importance on relationships, ‘Anatta’ (no-self) – is not a denial of existence; it is a
roles, duties, obligations, and the preservation of culture conviction that no words can define the essence of this
and tradition. Prioritizes the needs and goals of society present moment of existence.
over the needs and desires of every individual; Puts more
importance on belongingness to a larger group and
emphasizes social obligations. Confucianism – regards an individual as a member of a
Collectivism stresses that an individual has “many larger whole, not as a separate being.
selves” instead of having a one knowable self. Self is Confucius’ Five Cardinal Relationships or Five Bonds:
viewed as part of a “We” instead of only a “Me”.
 The king (ruler) and his subject (ruled)
Collectivism is an idea that man should think, live, and
 Father and Son
act toward certain goals that benefit the group.
 Husband and Wife
A group may be a family, clan, community, nation, or  Brothers
the entire human race.  Friends

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Relational Self – individual identity is defined by In Hinduism, the atman is one with the Brahman (the
membership in the reference group to which one belongs. absolute, transcendental power). In this perspective, the
This identity is called relational self. Each member must atman is viewed as a spiritual, immaterial being that must
possess the same qualities that the group preserves and be detached from the material world and worldly
shares the pride that the group claims. possessions.

Subdued Self – conditioned to respond to perceptions,

not of its own needs and aspirations but of social
requirements and obligations. Lesson 6 – Physical Aspect of Self

To subdue oneself means to practice ‘ren’ (human- Physical self – refers to the body; it is the tangible
heartedness) – the hallmark of Confucian ethics. aspect of the person that can be directly observed and
examined.
Ren – is a Confucian virtue characterized by altruistic
behavior that must be nurtured in every person. The physical self is defined by physical characteristics
that are visible: sex, height, weight, complexion, hair
Subdued self = being a “person for others”. and facial features.

The physical aspect of the self does not include

characteristics that are internal to the self.
Taoism – emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao
(way or path), is a religion and a philosophy at the same The appearance of a person can be an asset or a
time. Tao is nothing but the expression of the unity of the liability.
universe and of the path which human beings must take
to preserve that unity. Beauty is contextualized into two categories – one that is
seen by the eye and one that is felt by the heart.
Tao – is the ultimate creative principle of the universe. It
is the core concept of the Taoist beliefs and practices and Beauty – denotes something that is appealing to the eye,
is referred to as the life force that surrounds and flows ear, and mind. Beauty is not only seen but may also be
through all living and non-living things, and that balances, heard.
orders, unifies, and connects them.
The very essence of beauty transcends the sight – it can
Going against the will of nature or the universe disrupts be heard, felt, and understood.
the cosmic order (symbolized by Yin and Yang).

Taoism does not consider the self as extension of social

relationships; rather, the self is but one of the countless
manifestations of the Tao. ACHIEVING A PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

1. Eat healthy foods.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hinduism – the Upanishads contain some of the key
3. Follow proper hygiene.
concepts and ideas of Hinduism. The Hinduist view about
4. Engage in daily exercise.
the self was written in the “Story of Creation” (tells
5. Take vitamins and drink fruit juices.
about the origin of the universe and human).
6. Avoid stress.
‘Purusha’ - “In the beginning this was self alone, in the 7. Spend less time in front of computers and
shape of a person”. gadgets.

Prepared by: Villapando, Miguel Richard G.

 Lesson 7 – Sexual Aspect of Self 7. Epididymis – long-coiled tube located at the
back of the testicles that stores and carries
Sex – is not simply for procreation but it is also a source sperm.
of pleasure which is an important part of sexual health.
Female Reproductive System – the main function of the
For Sigmund Freud, all human behavior is motivated by female reproductive system is the production,
the desire to feel pressure; such motivation is organized transportation, and fertilization of eggs and production of
and controlled by two instincts: sex hormones.
 sexuality 1. Ovary – female reproductive organ located in the
 aggression pelvic cavity which produces the ova (egg cells).
2. Ovum – the female reproductive cell; also called
These instincts are driven by a form of internal psychic
the egg cell. Once matured, it unites with a male
energy called libido.
sperm to forma fertilized egg.
Robert Michael, John Gagnon, and Edward Laumann 3. Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts – extend from the
conducted a study in 1992 among Americans to know uterus to the ovaries. Primary function of the tube
how much men and women think about sex. is to carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
4. Uterus – thick-walled, pear-sized and shaped
Puberty – stages of human growth and development muscular organ that lies above the urinary
where an individual becomes physically mature. bladder.
5. Cervix – the lower part of the uterus. Directs the
Testosterone – sex hormones for men; increase takes
sperm into the uterus during sex.
place at the age of 12 to 14 years; rapid growth happens
6. Vagina – the elastic passageway from the cervix
at 16 to 17 years.
to the outside of the female body; receives the
Estrogen and Progesterone – female sex hormones; penis during sex and where the baby passes
increase takes place at the age of 10 to 12 years; rapid during childbirth.
growth happens at 15 to 17 years. 7. Vulva – the external genital organ of the female.
Consists of the labia majora, labia minora, mons
Male Reproductive System – the main function of the pubis, clitoris, vestibules, and the vaginal
system is the production of sperm for the fertilization of opening.
the ovum.
Erogenous Zones – is a part of the body that is highly
1. Penis – primary male sex organ. It has a long sensitive and the stimulation of which leads to sexual
shaft and an enlarged tip called glans penis. responses such as relaxation, fantasies, arousal, and
2. Testes or Testicles – organ responsible for the orgasm.
production of sperm cells and testosterone.
3. Vas deferens – tube that connects the testes Prolactin – it is the “feel-good” hormone.
with the urethra; passageway of the sperm from
Sexual Response Cycle – term used to describe the
the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
changes that occur in the body as men and women
4. Scrotum – sac of skin that carries the testes.
become sexually aroused. The cycle is divided into four
5. Sperm – the male sex cell. It is released out of
phases:
the reproductive system through the semen (fluid
that carries the sperm). 1. Excitement – this is when the body gets ready
6. Prostate Gland – gland that surrounds the upper for sexual activity
part of the urethra just below the bladder. 2. Plateau – during this phase, intensified
breathing, high blood pressure, and faster heart
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 rate may be experienced as well as muscle “Turn-on” – refers to something that someone may find
contraction in the face, feet, and hands. desirable, pleasant, beautiful, likeable or any other
3. Orgasm – this is also referred to as the climax of positive quality.
the cycle. Further intensified breathing, blood
pressure and heart rate. “Turn-off” – on the other hand, is the complete opposite
4. Resolution – the body gradually returns to its of “turn-on”
normal level of functioning. Some parts of the For teens, turn ons and turn offs may focus on the
body return tot their normal size and color. physical attributes and personal qualities of someone
Helen Fisher of Rutgers University (1948) identified three from the opposite sex.
stages of love: lust, attraction, and attachment. For young and mature adults, turn ons and turn offs may
be associated with sexual activities.
 Lust (libido or sex drive) – characterized by the
desire for sexual gratification which in inherent to
every living organism.
 Attraction (passionate or obsessive love, DIVERSITY OF SEXUAL BAHAVIORS
infatuation) – characterized by the intense
Masturbation – a sexual act of stimulating one’s own
attention given to a desired partner.
genitals done alone by an individual.
This stage is driven by chemicals and hormones like:
Premarital Sex – refers to the sexual activities people
1. Adrenaline – released by the body for “fight” or engage in outside of marriage.
“flight”. This hormone will activate one’s stress
Marital Sex – these are the sexual activities that happen
response.
within the bounds of marriage.
2. Dopamine – ignites an intense rush of pleasure
when released. Extramarital Sex – these are sexual activities that
3. Serotonin – is attributed to “falling in love” as married people engage in with people they are not
this hormone makes a person think of his or her married to.
desired partner at most times.
Heterosexuality – as a sexual behavior, this happens
 Attachment (compassionate love) – is between persons of the opposite sex.
characterized by the desire of couples to stay Homosexuality – as a sexual behavior, refers to sexual
together. This phase also includes behaviors attraction and activities that happens between two
anchored on long-term companionship. persons of the same sex.
This stage is driven by two major hormones: Bisexuality – refers to sexual behavior of one who
1. Oxytocin (cuddle hormone) – is released during engages in sexual acts with someone from the opposite
orgasm. This feeling of attachment becomes or same sex.
more intense after a couple has sexual
intercourse.
2. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) – is Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – refer to health
released after sexual intercourse conditions that are passed on from a person to another
through sexual contact. STDs can be contracted through
Prairie vole – small creatures (like mice) that form having unprotected sex with someone who has STD.
monogamous bonds like human.

Prepared by: Villapando, Miguel Richard G.

 1. HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ resulting from STIs especially Chlamydia and
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – HIV is gonorrhea.
primarily transmitted through unprotected sex,
contaminated needle exchange and blood 12. Chlamydia – a sexually transmitted infection
transfusion, and during pregnancy. AIDS refers caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis
to the occurrence of specific diseases due to the that do significant damage to the human
contraction of HIV. reproductive system.

2. Gonorrhea – a bacterial infection of the mucous

membranes including the eye, throat, genitals, METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION
and other organs. Factors in choosing a particular method of contraception:

3. Syphilis – an infection caused by corkscrew- 1. It should be safe enough.

shaped bacterium called Treponema pallidum 2. It should be efficient in averting unwanted
that is transmitted through direct contact with a pregnancy.
syphilitic sore on the skin. 3. It should be simple and easy to use.
4. It should be available at any time.
4. Genital Herpis – is a viral infection that causes
Recognized family planning methods:
blisters on the genitals.
1. Folk Method
5. Genital Warts – are warts caused by the human a. Postcoital Douche or Douching –
papillomavirus (HPV) that grows in the genital or Douching is a method used by women to
anal area. flush out the vagina with a medicinal
solution to remove or destroy the sperm.
6. Chancroid – is a bacterial infection that causes b. Prolonged Lactation – technique used
sores or ulcers on the genitals. by women done through breastfeeding
their baby for a longer period. Prolonged
7. Pubic Lice (crabs) – are very small parasites lactation, according to doctors, helps
that infest the genital area which are primarily delay ovulation.
spread through sexual contact.
2. Behavioral Contraceptives – do not need any
8. Scabies – is a skin condition that is caused by artificial device. Pregnancy can be prevented by
infestation of tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. altering the natural process of sexual relations.

9. Trichomoniasis – an infection caused by a a. Rhythm method – is a natural method

parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis supported by the Catholic Church.
Couples are enjoined to abstain for a
10. Molluscum Contagiosum – another sexually certain period while the woman is fertile.
transmitted infection caused by molluscum b. Ovulation method – this practice makes
contagiosum virus. It is a skin condition use of the observed mucous discharge
characterized by small lumps (molluscum) which from the vagina at the beginning of the
are pearly-white or slightly pink. woman’s fertile period.
c. Withdrawal or Coitus interruptus – a
11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – it is not a process wherein the man, during sexual
sexually transmitted infection but a complication
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 intercourse, withdraws the penis out of the loop, and the cooper T used to avoid
the vagina before orgasm. pregnancy.
d. Coitus reservatus – a practice in which
the man withholds ejaculation and let the 6. Pills – contains hormones which prevent
erection subside inside the vagina. conception by inhibiting the ovaries from
releasing egg cells.
3. Mechanical Contraceptives – act as barriers to
prevent the sperm from entering the uterus, 7. Sterilization – is done with ease and is virtually
thereby preventing pregnancy. 100 percent effective.

a. Condom – is a thin material made of  Vasectomy – sterilization of the male; the tube
rubber used during sexual activity. The through which sperms are transported, is tied off
man wears the condom on his penis to or cauterized.
prevent the sperm from entering the  Tubal Ligation – sterilization of the female; is a
vagina. major surgical procedure in which the woman is
b. Diaphragm – is a shallow rubber cup put under anesthesia, a large abdominal incision
inserted into the vagina. This is coated is made and the fallopian tubes are cut and tied.
with spermicidal cream or jelly to prevent
the entry of sperm into the uterus. 8. Injectables – one of the latest forms of
c. Cervical Caps – these are fitted over the contraception. This is injected in a woman to
cervix by a doctor. Usually, these can be inhibit ovulation (an injection usually lasts for
worn for a month starting after three months).
menstruation up to the onset of the next
menstruation.

4. Chemical Contraceptives – better known as

spermicides, are used to prevent pregnancy by
stopping the sperm from entering the uterus.

a. Vaginal suppositories and tablets – a

suppository is a small, bullet-shaped
dosage form containing chemicals used
in destroying sperm cells. It is inserted
into the vagina to melt before sex.
b. Contraceptive jellies, creams and
vaginal foams – these are applied into
the vagina shortly before sexual
intercourse. (According to some doctors,
the most effective spermicide is the
vaginal foam)

5. Intrauterine Devices (IUD) – is a small device of

polyethylene plastic or thin copper wire inserted
into the uterus by a physician. Includes the coil,

Prepared by: Villapando, Miguel Richard G.